We live in a world where we’re constantly tossed, tumbled and pulled by the various needs presented to us daily.
You may be a student with assignments, projects or term papers due. You may be a freelancer with clients breathing down your throat or an employee with an overbearing boss.
What’s worse? You can be all 3
Truth is, there are a lot of things fighting for our attention every minute. It can be overwhelming! Even when you’re trying to create a balance with the many activities in your life, you can still get lost in the rhythm of this never-ending cycle. That’s such a crazy place to be!
Does this seem like you? If it does, you’re not alone. I feel this way sometimes too.
I am an undergraduate student studying Architecture whilst building a Graphic Design career. Sometimes, I feel exhausted. There’s always so much to do.
For the longest time, I struggled with pursuing my degree in Architecture, building a tech career and expressing myself through writing on my blog.
I found that my blog started to suffer as I couldn’t stay consistent. There was just so much going on around me. I soon realized that, the environment we find ourselves in has a way of influencing us for good or bad. Unfortunately, your environment doesn’t need your permission to
influence you. Exposure to anything can affect you positively or negatively. The good news is that you can control your environment. You have the power to decide what you want to allow into your mind.
The secret is being intentional!
You need to constantly ask yourself questions such as “What am I constantly watching?”, “Who am I listening to?”, “Who am I surrounded with (online and offline)?”
What you allow to influence you has to be able to get you from where you are to where/ who you want to be so, you can make the impact you want to make.
For instance, if you want to start eating healthy, you need to surround yourself with people and things that inspire and encourage you to do that.
I learnt something valuable in a book I read- “You’re only going to be as good as the people you surround yourself with“. This made me think deeply and I hope it makes you think too.
I have come to understand that, you see with your mind and not just your eyes.
To create an inspiring environment is to expose your mind to limitless possibilities.
Here are four ways I intentionally create an environment of inspiration so I can achieve my goals successfully.
1. Proper planning and time management
As a student, it can be tempting to let my dreams of being a Graphic Designer fizzle out of my mind and only focus on my academics. I know that I want to be an excellent student. However, I also need to prioritize my tech career. I do so through proper planning and time management.
2. Willingness to learn
I understand that I have to be open minded so I can learn new things and grow. I constantly find new things to learn and opportunities to become better at my academics and tech career. I strongly believe the saying “The moment you stop learning, your mind starts dying”
3. Practice! Practice! Practice
Its great to learn new things but what is the use of it if I don’t practice? With the time I dedicate to my studies and my career as a Graphic Designer, I ensure that I practice what I have learnt so, that it doesn’t become wasted knowledge.
4. Community
I value environments that help me stay connected to like minded people. I get to see them create amazing designs, and it opens my eyes to see possibilities of what I can do too. If you’re will like to be in an environment that will inspire you to become a better person, join communities! One of such great communities is the I4G community! If you’d like to build a thriving career in tech, you can join them here
Creating an inspiring environment that helps you achieve your personal and career goals is crucial. I hope this blog post inspires you to be intentional about creating an environment that inspires and challenges you to take steps to become a better you everyday!